NBC’s “Fashion Star” Steals the Fashion Spotlight

When it comes to fashion reality tv, I’ve watched it all: Project Runway (obvs), Launch My Line, 24 Hour Catwalk, Project Accessory, and The Fashion Show; so I consider myself an expert in the genre. Project Runway was a game changer when it launched in 2004, but the formula has become stale. Earlier this week I fell asleep catching up on the latest episode of Project Runway All-Stars! But last night’s premier of Fashion Star was entertaining and invigorating.

Casting plays a huge role, of course. These designers are clearly talented, and instead of being handicapped with inane challenge and time restraints, they’re equipped to produce well made designs. Elle Macpherson is a natural host (the Aussie accent doesn’t hurt). The mentors, Jessica Simpson, John Varvatos and Nicole Richie all offer both personality AND insight; and the buyers, Caprice Willard, Nicole Christie, and Terron Schaefer, are genuinely all about business. That’s refreshing when there are so many BS comments on competition shows.

But there are 3 more reasons why this show is going to be awesome:

1. Fashion Star is Gratifying: the show is full of instant feedback. Designers hear from both the mentors and the buyers right on the runway, then receive a yes/no decision almost immediately.

2. Fashion Star is Direct: Within the first 5 minutes we were watching the contestants designs go down the runway. Within 10 minutes the buyers had already made two decisions.  The point of the show is clear – this is a competition about design AND making deals.

3. Fashion Star is Fun: Lights! Music! Jessica Simpson making jokes!

Side note: This is an incredible way for brands to connect and communicate with their customers. When Caprice Miller, the buyer for Macy’s, reviewed a designer’s work by saying “it really works for a woman with curves, a woman who is well-endowed, and those are all things we like to take care of especially at Macy’s”, every curvy, well-endowed woman watching the show started thinking about shopping at Macy’s. The Saks Fifth Avenue buyer, Terron Schaefer, bought a piece from my favorite designer of the evening, and after the show I visited the Saks website for the first time, ever. This is a golden opportunity for Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M. Other brands will be clamoring for a similar opportunity.

What did you think of last’s night’s premiere of Fashion Star? Will you tune in again next week?

photos via

Comments

What's your opinion?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.